Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most tantalizing aroma of tender beef, rich broth, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles - without spending hours in the kitchen! This Slow Cooker Beef Stew Ramen is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for an easy yet impressive meal, or someone craving a hearty Japanese-inspired comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups ramen noodles
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the beef chuck into cubes, chop the onion, slice the carrots, and mince the garlic. Set these aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Toss to ensure the beef is well-seasoned.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the sesame oil. Once hot, add the seasoned beef cubes and sear them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the stew.
- Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced carrots. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Pour the sautéed vegetables over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Add the beef broth, water, and soy sauce to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the beef and meld the flavors together.
- After 6 hours, check the beef for tenderness. If it is fork-tender, proceed to the next step. If not, allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Once the beef is tender, prepare the ramen noodles according to the package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.
- Once the stew is ready, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, place a portion of the cooked ramen noodles in a bowl and ladle the beef stew over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor and freshness.
- Enjoy your Slow Cooker Beef Stew Ramen hot, savoring the rich flavors and hearty ingredients!
Tips
- Searing Matters: Don't skip browning the beef cubes before slow cooking. This crucial step develops deep, rich flavors that elevate the entire dish.
- Meat Selection: Choose beef chuck for its perfect balance of tenderness and marbling. It becomes incredibly soft after slow cooking.
- Noodle Timing: Cook ramen noodles separately and add them just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Flavor Boosters: Experiment with adding a splash of mirin or rice wine for extra depth, or a sprinkle of togarashi for heat.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh green onions, a soft-boiled egg, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can transform your stew from good to extraordinary.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
